Smithsonian Women's Committee Members, Smithsonian Craft Show Artists and Dinner Guests Joined Five of DC's Top Interior Designers at Their Homes for the Second Annual Dinners by Design

David Mitchell, Andrew Law, Camille Saum, Skip Sroka, and Rosemarie Howe generously and creatively supported the recent Smithsonian Craft Show by hosting five exciting Dinners by Design. David Mitchell founded this annual event in 2012 and is working towards declaring April Design Month in DC.

Guests had the unique opportunity to tour the designers' homes, who offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at their residences while also sharing insight into the process of designing homes for some of the DC area's celebrities.

City scenes and insider information greet guests who visit The Independent Collection’s new in-the-know websites, http://independentcollection.com. The recently relaunched sites are for a select group of hotels located in unique urban neighborhoods along the East Coast, all part of The Independent Collection. The Independent Collection, a growing collection of intimate lifestyle hotels managed by HHM, maps a course of travel for its guests that make the entire experience one to remember.

Riderwood retirement community in Silver Spring, MD, is sharing the recipe to its award-winning Crab Soup that will be served January 20 at a President Obama Inaugural Gala hosted by the Delaware, Maryland and New York State Societies of Washington, D.C. The Gala will be held at 7 p.m. at The Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C. The more than 300 invited guests will include elected officials, friends of the states, and guests from all corners of the globe. Riderwood chefs will serve the soup to attendees.

The Presidential inauguration is just around the corner. Millions of people will be scrambling to see the President, the historical sites, and the food. Food plays a big role in any high-profile event, including the Presidential inauguration. As a result, many local restaurants will be making their Presidential picks for a feast fitting of the highest office in the land.

“Picking the Presidential meal is a fun and challenging task that we look forward to,” explains Ryan Fichter, Executive Chef of Thunder Burger. “In our pick, we wanted to incorporate a little of the President’s Hawaiian roots. We think this is a meal that the First Family would enjoy, as well as those looking for an authentic inauguration meal.”

January is known as National Meat Month. It’s a great time to pause and take a look at just how much America loves its meat, as well as uncover new ways to enjoy and celebrate it. In fact, during 2012, over 52 billion pounds of meat was consumed in America, for an average of 270.7 pounds consumed per person. Compare that to the worldwide average of 102.5 pounds per person consumed yearly and it’s easy to see where America stacks up.

“Meat is a tradition for many people, as well as a great source of numerous vitamins, minerals, and protein,” says Ryan Fichter, Executive Chef at both the Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge and Thunder Burger & Bar. “People may want to expand their horizons this month to see what else is out there, beyond what they are used to eating.”

Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge now offers a brunch menu in addition to their regular lunch menu. The brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The menu features a variety of sweets, eggs, omelets, and more.

“Brunch is a special time of the day for many people,” says Ryan Fichter, Executive Chef of Bodega Spanish Tapas & Lounge. “Brunch is a great meal because you get so many good options to choose from, and you don’t have to get out of bed early to enjoy them before the breakfast menu is no longer available.”

Here are 5 reasons to make a point of going to brunch:

1. Power up to power shop. Those who will be engaged in heavy holiday shopping will need to fuel up in order to keep going. They can get all the energy they need by attending a brunch. Whether going before heading out to shop, or stopping in after they get that party started, the food will be ready and waiting.